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scrappers notebook | From Eastwood Field
Through the years: The Scrappers won Pinkney Division titles in 1999, 2000 and 2009. They also won the New York-Penn League championship in 2004 after qualifying as a wild-card team. Last year, the Scrappers finished with a 30-45 record.
Youth: The Scrappers’ opening day roster is filled with youth, including seven players who are just 19-years-old. By comparison, Scrappers manager Ted Kubiak celebrated his 71st birthday on May 12. Kubiak sees many differences between today’s ballplayers and those from his generation.“So much has changed,” Kubiak said. “The way kids grow up today is so different than 40 years ago. The discipline has changed, the parents have changed. Society in general is all together different. The talent is there. The players today are bigger, stronger, faster. But they don’t necessarily understand the game today. They have to be taught so much about baseball.”
Technology: Scrappers pitching coach Scott Erickson, who made his Major League debut in 1990 with the Twins, says technology has changed the atmosphere of today’s clubhouse. “One of the things I loved about baseball was the camaraderie that existed inside the locker room,” Erickson said. “Back in the day, everyone talked to each other. You really got to know your teammates. Today, there isn’t as much communication between players. Everyone is on the phone checking emails or texting. The technology hasn’t helped teams bond like they did in the past.”